Reloading 410 bore shotgun shells

[santa]

:biggrin: My sweet loving wife of 37 years got me a 410 bore pump-action Mossberg for a late Christmas present a couple of months ago. We both really love shooting it but the cost of ammunition limits time out shooting. The gun is also used for short range protection and I have bought slugs for this reason. I have decided to start reloading and while I used to reload rifle and handgun bullets I have never reloaded shotgun shells. I have seen a MEC shotshell reloader for $170. Can I buy slugs or buckshot to make my own defensive loads? Anybody reload 410's? Any help would be welcome. Thanks

 

[docbas]

You can reload them, but you have to have a .410 shell reloader. Chances are it's not going to be $170. As far as finding slugs or buckshot to reload with, in general, I have not seen any commonly available, it's going to be whether or not you can find a supplier.

 

[jtg452]

The MEC 600Jr is available for the .410. LEE doesn't make a .410 Load All- unfortunately. Check with Ballistic Products. They will have all the shotshell reloading equipment and components you will need. I've been trading with them for about 10 years now for my CAS shotgun reloading.

Just don't be surprised by the prices. Any shot shell reloading other than 12 and 20 gauge is in the niche/specialty market category and you pay niche/specialty market prices. At least you have a currently used chambering. I broke into shotshell reloading because I picked up an antique shotgun chambered in an obsolete hull length that hasn't been produced in the last 50 years.

I'd suggest getting a reloading manual or 2 and figuring out what components you need to do what you want. Shot shell reloading- if you haven't done it before- isn't like metallic cartridge reloading. You can get away with swapping 1 brand of primer for another as long as it is the same type primer most of the time with metallic pistol cartridges.

The reloading formulas for shotgun shells, on the other hand, are set up for the precise combination of components (hull, powder, wad, shot, primer) listed. You can't swap Wad X for Wad Y unless it is intentionally made as a substitute (like some of the Claybuster brand wads that are made as a 'generic equivalent' version of some the brand name wads). Follow the book EXACTLY and you will do fine once you get the mechanics of running the press down. Talk with the folks a Ballistic Products, they are quite knowledgeable about shotshell reloading, if you decide to order from them.

 

[johncranack]

I brought my first .410 bore shotgun. I was surprised myself as i hit significantly better with the .410 than i did with my 12 ga. I had several 12 gauge loader so i called Mec and bought the conversion to make this JR a 410 just to see if i could do it. It wasn't that hard and i think the kit cost me 39 bucks at the time and it works fine.

 

[santa]

Hey johncranack, where are you located? I also find myself hitting better with the 410 than my 12 gauge. Admittedly my 12 gauge is a single shot and kicks like a mule. I I did buy a MEC 410 reloader.